Attacking duo set to return for Albion

Steve Bailey

LuaLua and Baldock set to return for Albion.

Albion will be boosted by the return of attacking duo Kazenga LuaLua and Sam Baldock when they travel to Hull City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Kazenga LuaLua. Photograph: Angela Brinkhurst

LuaLua has been out since September with a groin injury, after starting the season in sparkling form, while Baldock has not been involved since a 2-1 home win over Milton Keynes Dons in November, after also suffering a groin injury.

Seagulls manager Chris Hughton revealed the pair will play some part in Saturday’s cup clash against fellow Championship high-flyers Hull.

He said: “Kazenga and Sam will both be involved at the weekend. It would be nice to see them play some part of the game but they’re both ready and involved, which is a big plus for us.”

Albion are expected to rest a whole host of first-team regulars for the game, with Dale Stephens, Beram Kayal and Bruno all set to sit out.

However, Hughton still has full belief in the players who will come into the side and feels it provides them with an opportunity to push for a regular starting spot.

He said: “I think it’s always the case that when players are given a chance, they will be eager to impress.

“We have a strong squad and because of injuries we have had to use it, certainly some more than others, but Saturday gives everyone a chance to stake their claim.”

With the January transfer window now open, Albion have been linked with a move for Standard Liege’s former Leicester winger Anthony Knockaert

On a move for the Frenchman, Hughton said: “There has been interest in him and is something that I would admit. He is a player I very much like, but until there is something 100 per cent to say, then generally we have tended to keep quiet.”